Concave Mirror (50 mm)

Product Code : SCL-LAO-12094

The Concave Mirror (50 mm) is a high-reflectivity converging spherical mirror used for focusing parallel light rays and demonstrating real image formation. Designed for physics students and laboratory educators, this premium optical component provides a precise surface for accurate focal length measurement and ray tracking experiments.

Product Description

This spherical optical element provides a highly reliable tool for fundamental and advanced light reflection studies. Ground from high-purity crown glass and backed by a uniform, vacuum-metallized aluminum reflective layer, the mirror maintains a consistent radius of curvature across its entire face. The precision-polished concave surface converges incoming parallel light paths symmetrically, creating clean real images that are easy to analyze using standard light sources.

For secondary schools and universities updating their standard inventory of physics lab equipment, this optical mirror provides exceptional pedagogical value. It allows student cohorts to execute highly reproducible geometric ray tracing laboratories without the distortion or cloudiness common with cheap plastic alternatives. The durable structure easily tolerates regular classroom handling, making it a permanent baseline asset for wave mechanics workstations.

Key Features

• Premium Glass Substrate: Fabricated from high-purity crown glass to guarantee structural stability and resistance to thermal deformation.
• Vacuum-Metallized Coating: Features a highly reflective aluminum backing layer protected by a tough outer coat to prevent oxidation.
• True Converging Geometry: Engineered with a precise spherical curvature designed specifically to maximize light focusing tracking precision.
• Standardized 50mm Aperture: Fits seamlessly into universal mirror mounts, lens rings, and standard optical bench accessories.
• Ground Edges for Safety: Designed with fine perimeter ground borders to prevent structural chipping and ensure safe student handling.
• Scratch-Resistant Face: Hard silicate glass structure provides excellent resistance against fine abrasions from plastic storage dividers or alignment calipers.

Technical Specifications

What's Included in the Kit

• 1 x Concave Mirror (50 mm) element
• 1 x Protective lint-free storage pouch
• 1 x Microfiber optical cleaning cloth
• 1 x Technical data sheet with curvature radius specifications

Applications / Uses

• Tracing convergent beam geometries to verify the fundamental laws of reflection across curved boundaries.
• Measuring real focal lengths by tracking the position where parallel light rays converge to a sharp focal point on standard screens.
• Calculating object distances and image distances to satisfy the standard mirror equation:
• Determining the geometric focal point position using the radius of curvature relation:
• Integrating smoothly inside high-resolution optics experiment kits to demonstrate real image magnification and inversion matrices.

How to Use the Concave Mirror (50 mm)

1. Clean the mirror surface thoroughly with the provided microfiber cloth before beginning your laboratory configuration.
2. Insert the 50mm concave element securely into a universal mirror holder ring attached to your tracking rail slider.
3. Position an active multi-beam laser ray box or light source up-beam from the concave mirror face.
4. Turn on the light source to observe the parallel light rays converge inward as they strike the silvered surface.
5. Move a white projection screen along the track until the reflected image resolves into a perfectly sharp focus point.
6. Read the coordinate markings along the bench scale to calculate the exact focal length indices.

Safety Note: Handle the optical mirror exclusively by its ground edges to prevent skin oils from degrading the front reflective clarity. Never use the mirror to focus direct sunlight onto flammable materials.

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Remove dust carefully using standard lens blowers or clean compressed air before wiping with a specialized lens cleaner solution.
• Storage: Always store the mirror inside its padded protective pouch to shield the reflective face from metal tools or accidental abrasions.
• Handling: Keep the element clear of hard stoneware workbenches; place it down exclusively on soft protective felt sheets or tracking mats.

Why Choose Science Lab Supplies

Science Lab Supplies is an established manufacturer and premier global exporter of reliable laboratory instruments and classroom experiment setups. Backed by decades of continuous manufacturing experience, we use high-grade raw materials and precise geometric layouts to construct long-lasting educational systems. Our production lines maintain rigid ISO 9001:2015 quality frameworks to ensure consistent performance across every batch shipped. With our advanced international logistical matrices, we ensure prompt, secure deliveries to universities and school districts worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of image does a concave mirror form?

A concave mirror can form both real (inverted) and virtual (upright) images depending on the distance between the object and the mirror surface.

Can you project an image from a concave mirror onto a screen?

Yes, when the object is placed outside the principal focal point, the concave mirror forms a real, inverted image that can be projected directly onto a screen.

What is the relationship between the focal length and radius of curvature?

The focal length of a spherical mirror is exactly half of its radius of curvature, mathematically expressed as.

Is the reflective coating on the front or the back of the glass?

This laboratory mirror features a rear-surface configuration where the aluminum reflective layer is deposited on the back of the glass and sealed with a protective backing paint.

Does this mirror fit standard optical bench sliders?

Yes, the precise 50 mm diameter makes this optic fully compatible with universal lens and mirror ring mounts used on standard educational tracks.

Explore our complete selection of premium physics lab equipment to discover matching components for your university workstation, or reach out to our export team today for global institutional pricing.